The eBirdr field guide

Bird Advisor

Describe what you saw. We’ll narrow the field together.

Question 12 2 possible birds

What SHAPE was the BILL ?

Choose the answer that comes closest to what you observed.

Straight and slender Straight and thick Conical and slender Conical and thick Hooked Downcurved Upcurved Flattened Crossed at the tips Unknown

Not completely sure? Choose Unknown when it is available—a careful “I don’t know” is more useful than a guess.

Your observation 11 answers recorded · open to review or change
  1. 1
    What TYPE of bird was seen ? Sandpiper-like
    Change
  2. 2
    What colour was the BELLY ? Unknown
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  3. 3
    How BIG was the bird ? Sparrow-sized
    Change
  4. 4
    What colour was the THROAT ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    Change
  5. 5
    What colour were the LEGS or FEET ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    Change
  6. 6
    What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    Change
  7. 7
    What colour PATTERN if any was shown on the BREAST ? Barred crosswise (from side to side)
    Change
  8. 8
    WHERE was the bird seen ? Southeastern United States
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  9. 9
    What colour was the BILL ? Yellow
    Change
  10. 10
    In FLIGHT did the bird display a LIGHT WING STRIPE or PATCH ? Yes
    Change
  11. 11
    WHEN was the bird seen ? Spring
    Change

Leading possibilities

2 possibilities remain

1 rule inferred
  1. 1

    Spotted Sandpiper

    Why this matches 7 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Sandpiper-like
    • How BIG was the bird ? Sparrow-sized
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour PATTERN if any was shown on the BREAST ? Barred crosswise (from side to side)
    • In FLIGHT did the bird display a LIGHT WING STRIPE or PATCH ? Yes
    • WHEN was the bird seen ? Spring
    View profile
  2. 2

    Purple Sandpiper

    Why this matches 8 supporting observations
    • What TYPE of bird was seen ? Sandpiper-like
    • How BIG was the bird ? Sparrow-sized
    • What colour was the THROAT ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour were the LEGS or FEET ? Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan
    • What colour was the BREAST ? Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown)
    • What colour PATTERN if any was shown on the BREAST ? Barred crosswise (from side to side)
    • WHERE was the bird seen ? Southeastern United States
    • What colour was the BILL ? Yellow
    View profile

Showing the strongest matches so far. Keep answering—the order may change.

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